Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 20, 1993                   TAG: 9305200511
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: E-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

ROANOKE EMT: VINTON NEEDS BETTER COVERAGE

Jane Camp wanted to know if the town planned to add to the budget the cost of two advanced lifesaving personnel as asked last week by Vinton's volunteer lifesaving crew.

Currently, backup emergency crews from Roanoke are called to Vinton on medical emergencies several times a week, and depending on how critical the call, some Vinton residents have been charged more than $100 for ambulance service, she said.

"[Vinton's] rescue squad has one paramedic and one cardiac technician. They cannot provide 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-per-week coverage," Camp said.

"It is not fair to the citizens of this community not to know they aren't covered."

Vinton is initiating a volunteer membership drive for the lifesaving crew, but Chief Chris Stull has requested two paid members to respond to emergency calls in Vinton.

Vinton Town Manager Clay Goodman said he has been working closely with Stull and other public safety personnel to fix the problem quickly and effectively.

"We are currently evaluating the situation, and we'll try to address it the best way possible," Goodman said. He said he hopes to present a full report with long- and short-term recommendations to council before the budget is voted on in June.

Camp said Roanoke crews have two paramedics, two cardiac care specialists and at least five emergency medical technicians per shift. She said the Vinton situation is "not only dangerous; it's deadly."

"I'm not knocking the rescue squad here. They are doing the best they can. I just hope council works with them."

Goodman said public safety personnel from other departments will support the Vinton Lifesaving Crew's efforts until a long-term solution can be found.

Town officials said they hope the drive for volunteers, who need no prior training to become emergency medical techicians, will help meet the emergency needs of Vinton residents more effectively.

In other action:

Council denied a request for a loading zone in front of Chittum's TV Service, saying the zone would deprive merchants and residents of valuable parking along Lee Avenue. About 22 spaces exist on Lee.

Council voted to provide $2,000 worth of in-kind services for the Vinton Old-Time Bluegrass Festival and Competition. The services would include public safety. Buford Barton cast the only dissenting vote saying $1,000 is more appropriate.